Belarus travel tips
Belarus travel tips: Landlocked Eastern European country, Belarus, boasts diverse landscapes, rich history, and a distinct cultural identity with Soviet influences.
Divisions 🌎
Belarus travel tips. Here is a list of all the divisions of the Belarus.
Brest Voblast
Vitebsk Voblast
Gomel Voblast
Grodno Voblast
Minsk Voblast
Mogilev Voblast
Minsk City
Before you go 🛩
Important information you should know before your trip
Info
Capital | Minsk
Flag Codes:
ISO alpha-2 BY,
ISO alpha-3 BLR
Currency
Badge | Belarusian ruble
CODE | BYR
NUMBER | 974
SYMBOL | Br
FRACTION | kopek
Mobile Coverage
Dialing Code | +375
SIM Card
Coverage | 3G / 4G / 5G |
Mobile Networks | A1 Mobile | Life:) | MTS |
Location
Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest.
The capital and largest city of Belarus is Minsk, situated in the central part of the country. Belarus covers an area of approximately 207,600 square kilometers (80,155 square miles) and has a diverse landscape of forests, rivers, and numerous lakes.
Currency
The currency of Belarus is the Belarusian ruble (BYN).
Previously, the currency used was the Belarusian Ruble (BYR), but it was replaced by the BYN in 2016 due to inflation and the need for a new, more stable currency.
Languages
The official language of Belarus is Belarusian, also known as White Belarusian. However, Russian is widely used in daily life and is considered a second official language. Other minority languages are also spoken in some regions of the country, such as Polish, Ukrainian and Yiddish.
Climate 🌡
Belarus has a temperate continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons and relatively moderate temperatures. Here is an overview of the climate in Belarus:
Spring (March to May): Spring in Belarus is mild, with temperatures gradually rising from around 0°C (32°F) in March to 15°C (59°F) in May. However, the weather can still be quite variable, with occasional cold snaps and fluctuations in temperature. Spring is also a season of frequent rain showers.
Summer (June to August): Summers in Belarus are moderately warm to hot, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C (63°F) to 25°C (77°F). July is the warmest month, with temperatures occasionally reaching above 30°C (86°F). Summers also tend to be humid, and thunderstorms are common. The days are long, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Belarus is characterized by gradually decreasing temperatures. September is still relatively mild, with temperatures around 15°C (59°F), but they start to drop in October and November. Autumn foliage brings beautiful colors to the countryside, especially in late September and early October. Rainfall increases during this season.
Winter (December to February): Winters in Belarus are cold and snowy. The average temperatures range from -4°C (25°F) to -8°C (18°F), but can drop significantly lower, particularly in January. Snow cover is common, especially in the northern and central parts of the country. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities like skiing and ice skating.
Belarus travel tips
If you’re planning a trip to Belarus, here are some travel tips to enhance your experience:
Soviet History:
Explore Belarus’s Soviet history at museums and monuments. Visit Brest Fortress and KGB Headquarters in Minsk for historical insight.
Museums and Galleries:
Explore cultural institutions like the National Art Museum and the Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Minsk.
Events and Festivals:
Check the calendar for local events and festivals. Experience Belarusian culture through celebrations and traditions.
Local Cuisine:
Try traditional Belarusian dishes like draniki (potato pancakes) and machanka (pork stew). Explore local markets for unique food experiences.
Transportation:
Public transportation is reliable. Use buses, trams, and metro in cities. Rent a car for exploring rural areas. View Guide.
Cultural Etiquette:
Respect local customs. Handshakes are common in greetings. Removing shoes when entering someone’s home may be expected.
Nature and Parks:
Enjoy Belarus’s natural beauty. Visit Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park for its ancient forest and diverse wildlife.
Enjoy your time in Belarus!
The best of the best
Belarusian cuisine is known for its hearty and wholesome dishes, often featuring ingredients like potatoes, meat, dairy products, and mushrooms.
Draniki (Potato Pancakes)
Draniki are Belarusian-style potato pancakes made from grated potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, and sometimes grated onions.
Machanka
Machanka is a traditional Belarusian dish made with pork or beef, often served as a stew.
Kolduny
Kolduny are Belarusian dumplings typically filled with a mixture of ground meat, onions, and spices.
Here are some typical foods of Belarus:
Kletski: Kletski are small Belarusian dumplings similar to gnocchi. They are made with a dough of potatoes and flour, formed into small balls, boiled, and served with butter or sour cream.
Zrazy: Zrazy are meat rolls made with thinly pounded beef or pork, stuffed with various fillings such as mushrooms, cheese, or vegetables. They are typically fried and served with a sauce.
Solyanka: Solyanka is a hearty and flavorful soup made with a mix of meat (such as beef, pork, or sausages), pickles, vegetables, and spices. It has a tangy and savory taste.
Mushroom Dishes: Belarus has abundant forests, and mushrooms play a significant role in the cuisine. Mushroom dishes like mushroom soup, mushroom sauce, and mushroom stews are popular, especially during the mushroom-picking season.
Kholodets: Kholodets is a traditional Belarusian meat jelly made by simmering pork or beef with spices and gelatin until it forms a jelly-like consistency. It is typically served cold and accompanied by mustard or horseradish.
Kletski with Cottage Cheese: Kletski can also be served as a sweet dish, where the potato dumplings are filled with sweetened cottage cheese, often flavored with vanilla or cinnamon, and served with melted butter or sweet cream.
Borscht: While borscht is a dish associated with various Eastern European countries, it is also commonly enjoyed in Belarus. This beet soup is made with a combination of vegetables, including beets, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, often served with a dollop of sour cream.
The country’s culinary heritage is diverse and reflects the agricultural traditions of the region.
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